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Richard “Dick” Soltis SK3 USS John Willis 1959-60 Deceased 29 Feb 2012 I’m saddened
to report the passing of one of our beloved shipmates. Dick Soltis and his wife Barbara were always a major presence
at our reunions. Even is his weakened condition, Dick was determined
to attend our 2011 Buffalo reunion last September, where he again joined his shipmates in reliving the “good”
days in the Navy. He will be remembered for his spontaneous antics and humor that gave us many laughs and moments to cherish
along with his legendary accordion sounds that graced our after dinner socials and encouraging amateur sing-alongs. Thanks for the memories Dick, We'll
miss you. Shipmates are Forever Marc Arsenault
Newport Dealeys 2011 Reunion Review Buffalo NY was the designated city for our 13th annual Newport Dealeys reunion. On September 8-11, 75 shipmates
and guests gathered at the Adam Marks hotel to reunite with old friends and meet new shipmates under clear blue skies in spite
of the heavy rains from hurricane Irene that were encompassing the East coast, central and southern New York state. Shipmate arrivals began on Thursday noon with tales of flooding roads and detours. At the welcome reception, Chairman, Ron Bauer, USS Cromwell,
began with the pledge of allegiance, welcoming remarks and general notes on the weekend itinerary followed with a serving
of light hors d’oeuvres. The Anchor Bar “Home of the original Buffalo Wings” was the chosen destination
down town for shipmates that were in need of additional chow. Friday morning, we visited
the museum ships USS The Sullivans, USS Little Rock and The USS Croaker and had lunch aboard, followed with a trip to Niagara Falls and a ride on the Maid of the Mist. Our regular
business meeting began on the tour’s return, where we voted to hold our 2013 reunion in Burlington VT. The evening dinner “the Best of Buffalo” and an informative visual presentation on the history and operation
of the Erie Canal by Ron Bauer concluded the evening.
Saturday morning the tour took us to Lockport for
a historical boat ride to experience the Erie Canal
and navigate the locks. Late arrivals Bob and Edith Kitchen, who had left Philadelphia on Wednesday morning with heavy rains and road flooding
ahead, filled us in on their experience of being isolated in a motel in Owego NY, with flooded parking
lots and no electricity for three days. As shipmates greeted them, their first comments were “we need a shower”.
Attendee photos and a social hour preceded our Saturday evening Banquet. Marc Arsenault, USS Lester, read a tribute to our deceased shipmate Dean Hoover,
USS Hartley, who left us in January. A visual presentation with comments on several of our past reunions brought back memories
and laughter. Marjory Allen, (wife of Russell Allen IC3 USS John Willis) won the raffle grand prize, the porthole clock.
With the retirement of the colors, our after hours social gathering began with Richard Soltis, USS John Wills, entertained
us with his accordion by playing popular request. Sunday morning, September eleventh,
which was the tenth anniversary of the 9-11, Our Chaplain Jerry Skorch, USS Joseph K Taussig, read a tribute
to the events of that date, followed by our traditional bell ringing ceremony for deceased Newport Dealeys shipmates. Tearful
good byes and best wishes were predominant as we look forward to Portland ME in 2012.
Marc Arsenault Newport Dealeys
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